Indian River Fishing Forecast – February

February 2, 2019 | by Steve Beare

February is forecast to bring normal winter weather patterns with higher winds, colder weather and colder water temperatures.  Recent water temperatures have been in the 60’s, making the fish a bit sluggish.  I recommend slowing your bait retrieve down and even letting it sit on the bottom longer.  This will give the fish a little more time to observe, orient and react to your bait which should result in a higher hook up ratio.  Sheephead, Black Drum and Snapper will be in their usual spots, around deeper water docks and channel edges.  Live shrimp is the key to success.  The Seatrout bite has been consistent and the grass flats are looking healthier as the sediment settles, with new sprouts of seagrass popping up in areas around the Moorings, Harbor Branch and Round Island.  Redfish have been found in areas they were absent from proving that the redfish population is bouncing back.  Look for these fish around the mangrove shorelines and mud flats.  Snook tend to get lethargic in these colder water temperatures, so fishing in locations with good moving water, like bridges, the Ft Pierce or Sebastian Inlets will prove to be worthy moves.  Pompano are still being caught on the beach just outside the trough and in the deeper areas with grass near the channels.  Bring a jacket though because its been chilly.  If you find the bite is slow, I’d recommend switching over to a small spoon or other shiny lure as the Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalles are still active along all areas from Wabasso south to the power plant in Ft Pierce.  Its been a bit cold but the action hasn’t stopped proving its always a good time to fish the Treasure Coast. For pictures from recent trips you can clink the link to your right and follow us on Instagram—->